El Yunque National Forest
Day Trip to El Yunque - Rainforest
Quote:
This was my first time in a rainforest and it was a wonderful experience. The are many trails here, from beginners (20 mins long) to expert (2 hours long) so you can pick the one which you are comfortable with. A lot of these trails lead you down to waterfalls which makes it more or less adventureous. I did the trail down to the La Mina waterfall, which was a pretty good hike - Took 30 mins each way and had lots of scenary along the way. A lot of the waterfalls in the El Yunque are at most 50 feet so if you are looking for some thing equivalent to Niagara falls then I suggest you prepare your heart to be broken. These waterfalls usually have water outlets where you can swim so it can be very soothing to take a dip after you are all...
Read More
From journal Puerto Rico Getaway!
Best of IgoUgoEl Yunque - Rain Forest Excursion
Quote:
We signed up for the El Yunque Rain Forest excursion at the tour desk of our hotel. The cost of the tour was $45 per person and included the 45-minute rides to and from the Caribbean National Forest, where the El Yunque Mountain is located, and a guided tour of a portion of the forest.I had never been in a rain forest, so I was excited about this trip. The Caribbean National Forest spans 29,000 acres and is the only rain forest in the U.S. National Forest System. We were driven up the winding mountain roads and made our first stop at the Yokahu Tower. We walked up the 90 or so steps of the 75-foot tower and got a panoramic view of the rain forest. As one would expect, the forest is very green. This is because of the 240 inches of rain this...
Read More
From journal San Juan - Pre and Post Cruise
Best of IgoUgoCaribbean National Forest - El Yunque
Quote:
It's worth going into El Yunque rain forest just to prove to yourself that it's there. It's quite a treat to go from a hot, dry beach to a mountainous, cooler, and perennially raining forest.
While taxis may charge $80 or more to get you to the park, you can get there easily in a rental car ($30, gracias a Dios) if you know where you're going . There is a small fee to enter the park, and then you are free to roam.
We drove up the Yokahú tower, from which you can get a beautiful view of the coastline if it's not too cloudy. After that, we backtracked to the La Coca Falls trail. It's a very short distance to the falls, but the trail is clogged with slow-walking tourists who, in our case, seemed unwilling to let us pass. The falls...
Read More
From journal December Sunburn in Puerto Rico
Best of IgoUgoTake a Hike at El Yunque
Quote:
This was one of the most memorable tours of our trip because we made it to the peak of EL YUNQUE! There you will see the northeast coast of Puerto Rico. You can see San Juan. You can see the islands Vieques and Culebra off the coast of Puerto Rico. So it's like you're on one of those helicopter rides seeing the land below. It’s an awesome view! For the hike to the peak, take the "service" road instead of the actual trail and you'll be there in 45 minutes. Other sights to see before you head to the Peak of El Yunque include the trail to LaMina Falls. Beautiful! Many have taken a dip there, but when we went, it had rained in the days before and that day, so the water was murky and very dangerous.
From journal An Enchantment Week in Puerto Rico
El Yunque
Quote:
The rainforest was beautiful. There are two waterfalls, Las Cocas and the big one, Minas. There’s no wildlife in the jungle because of the devastation of the hurricane, but they are building up the parrot population again. But beauty of flora and fauna there is - take lots of pictures. You can swim under the big falls and have cookouts there make a day of it.
From journal One week in Puerto Rico
Best of IgoUgoEL Yunque
Quote:
We decided to visit the rain forest early on Monday morning thinking that there would be less of a crowd on the trails and at attractions. Parking - which we were told can be almost non-exsistent during busy seasons and on week-ends - was easy before midday, but the attractions, visitor centers, and trails became busy by noon.
The trails throughout the rain forest are generally well-marked. The Big Tree Trail has many informational plaques describing the history and ecological importance of the trees and plants along the way to the trail's main attraction: La Mina Falls. Here dozens of people enjoy swimming as well as relaxing on the rocks. If you're not into crowds, you might want to skip the falls, but the trail offers an...
Read More
From journal San Juan and Beyond
Best of IgoUgoCaribbean National Forest (El Yunque)
Quote:
El Yunque, (also the name of the tallest peak in the forest), is the only tropical rain forest in the United States. The area receives 200" rain each year, but it didn't rain the day we were there.There are huge trees, vines, ferns, moss, and impatients blooming by the thousands. Numerous streams run down the mountainsides making waterfalls and pools.Don't miss the visitor center, El Portal, at the entrance. There are many displays, a short film in English and Spanish explaining the forest, restrooms, and a gift shop. There is also a nature trail with plants labeled. The breadfruit tree was one interesting plant along the boardwalk--also orchids growing.Near the main road is La Coca Falls. Park your car and get out to crawl on the rocks...
Read More
From journal Stop Over in San Juan
Best of IgoUgoCaribbean National Forest (el Yunque)
Quote:
As you start rolling on 191, it's about 2 miles before you get to the new visitor center which they call "el Portal" . The signs will direct and greet you. They have handicap facilities, toilets, phones and a gift shop. Expect a $3.00 entrance fee for adults, $1.50 for kids 12 and over. We collected some maps at the entrance which is cleverly designed so that you are actually walking over the rainforest canope, so it's an interesting perspective. There are exhibits and interactive displays which educate you about el Yunque.
It started pouring, but stopped right after the 12 minute film, narrated by Jimmy Smits, which is shown before you start your tour. It's optional, but I suggest you see it as it's very informative. We learn that the...
Read More
From journal Puerto Rico - Isle in Style
El Yunque National Rain Forest
Quote:
It is such a change of pace. You will be one with nature. Very nice place to spend a day. There are small food stands on the main road and plenty of picnic areas on the main paths.
From journal El Yunque Rain forest
El Yunque
Quote:
This national rainforest is a great natural wonder at almost 3500 ft. The tropical vegetation is lush and colorful. The drive from San Juan is rugged but gives you a view of the other Puerto Rico.
From journal More than a beach in San Juan